Persian onion

Origin: Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.
Special Features: Intriguing 20-25 cm spheres consisting of innumerable of star shaped, lilac-colored flowers.
Color: Lilac.
Natural Flowering Period: June - July.
Growth Habit: Bulbous: strong flowering stems preceded by attractive foliage.
Foliage: Grey-green strap-shaped leaves covered in small white hairs. Height with Flower: 40 cm. Spacing between Plants: 45 cm. Soil Requirement: Tolerant of dry soils; pH 5.8 - 6.8.
Location: Full sun.
Use: Plant together in the border with Baptisia australis var. minor, Papaver orientale and Salvia argentea.
Specialities: Fantastic dried flowers.
Cultural Tips: Grams per 1000 seeds: 5,8. Seed Requirement: 20g/ 1000 plants.
Best Sowing Date: November - March.
Way of Germination: Cold Germinator. Germination: The sowing must be kept warm (about +18 to 22°C) and moist for the first 2-4 weeks. After this period the sowing must be kept at a cold temperature (between -4 and +4°C)  for another 4-6 weeks. It is not so important if the temperature is higher or lower during the cooling period, but the cooling period has to be prolonged because the synthesis of the germination inducer, hormonlike acid, slows down or comes to a standstill. It is beneficial to cover the sowing with snow during the cooling-period. The temperature below it usually keeps in the optimum range of -4 to 0°C. The sowing is kept moist, and the melting snow helps to destroy the shell, which is advantageous for the germinating seedling. After this cooling-period the sowing may not be immediately exposed to high temperatures. The most effective temperatures are between +5 to 12°C, even if germination has started. The best location for this sowing, even in March, April and May, is the open field, the cold frame or a cold greenhouse.
Germination to Transplant: 8 - 10 weeks Transplanting to salable Plant: 8 - 12 weeks.
Fertilization: Low.

Eng.: Star of Persia, Persian onion. Suom.: Tähtilaukka. Sven.: Stäpplök. Bot. syn.: Allium albopilosum C. H. Wright.